What a Year! A Look Back and Looking Forward to 2016 …

Forward Chicago is working toward its fifth year. It’s hard to believe that so much time has passed – and it is hard to imagine that we haven’t known each other for a really long time. It’s been remarkable to witness the growth of a small, grassroots community organization.

Our members have worked together to make contributions to better our neighborhoods and enliven the lives of the young and old. Last year, Craft Circle made beautiful blankets for refugee families. This year, they increased their efforts to make blankets, gloves, hats, and more for The Night Ministry, Salvation Army Women’s Shelter, Project Linus and Lurie Children’s Hospital. The creations covered a table at the library for two months, and the collective efforts were astounding.

At our holiday potluck this year, we collected donations for Toys for Tots and filled an entire carload.

Donations for Toys for Tots

The generosity of our members does not stop there. We often see people caring for others and helping through life’s transitions. For example, when I needed help during my pregnancy, members came to work in my garden, plant spring plants and weed (!). Others facing significant health challenges have been helped by their Forward Chicago friends through homemade food, visits and simple acts of friendship.

As we look back, we also look forward with excitement and anticipation for what is to come. Some Forward Chicago members got together this month to plan for the coming year; we are excited by their ideas and know you will be, too.

As you are thinking about the end of your year, we invite you to consider Forward Chicago in your year-end donations and keep it local. As an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization, your tax-deductible donation, large or small, will help us to do more in 2016.